CAZRI Celebrated 53rd Foundation Day

1st October, Jodhpur

The Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Jodhpur celebrated the 53rd Foundation Day here today. Dr V N Sharda, Member, Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board, New Delhi delivered the Foundation Day Lecture as chief guest on “Strategies for drought management in arid zones". He highlighted the importance of contingency planning to minimize the impact of drought on livestock and human well being.He expressed his satisfaction on the efforts made by the scientists of CAZRI in developing a good numbers of dryland technologies for different ecologies.

Speaking on the occasion as the guest of honour, Dr R P Dhir, Former Director, CAZRI, shared his reminiscence of developing the Institute from desert afforestation station. Dr. K R Solanki, Former Assistant Director General (Agroforestry), ICAR, while giving his special remarks emphasized that the institute should aim for convergence to grow for synergetic benefits.

Dr.M M Roy, Director, CAZRI highlighted the significant achievements of the institute and future challenges of the arid zone. Dr Roy mentioned establishment of a new research station at Leh, Ladhakh to address the issues of cold arid region.

Eight best workers of CAZRI were awarded the prizes for their meritorious contribution in the development of the institute. Sh. Thinles Dawa, SDAO, Leh, Laddakh was felicitated for his cooperation and help in the process of establishment of Regional Research Centre at Leh. Scientists of CAZRI, Dr. J C Tiwari, Dr. J C Tarafdar, Dr. Deetesh Machiwal and Dr V S Rathore were felicitated for their outstanding contribution in dryland research. The function was marked by releasing four technical bulletins and ten folders on different aspect of arid agriculture. Dr Y V Singh, Director, Zonal Project Directorate, Zone-VI and Dr O P Yadav, Director, Directorate of Maize Research, New Delhi also graced the occasion.

Scientists from main institute, regional research stations and officials from local government and non-government organisations participated in the foundation day ceremony apart from the retired staff of CAZRI.